Hidden, yet clearer than day

 There is something about the kingdom of God that is a little bit hidden; it has to be sought out. It is like treasure hidden in a field that a man finds... It is hidden enough that those who are not really searching for God will often not see it, although God, in his grace, still will reveal it to those who were not even looking. But on the whole, there is something about the kingdom, something about Jesus, something about God’s truth that must be sought out and is not at first crystal clear. But he who seeks finds, and to the one looking they will see.

So it is with Jesus. People say that he never really said he was God. It is true that he often answered in ways that were cryptic, that didn't immediately answer and satisfy those asking the questions… calling the heart that would seek him to come and find him. For example, when the high priest said, “I charge you under oath by the living God. Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God,” and Jesus replied, “You have said so.” 

But the more I think about people's statement that “He never said he was God,” the more it causes me to smile in wonder, because for anyone with eyes to see it could never be clearer. Consider his “I am” statements in John — everyone of the prophets who came before pointed away from themselves to the living God — but Jesus points to himself as the source of life and truth! Even using God's covenant name “YHWH” — “I am” — there's a reason they wanted to stone him!

Consider him in Mark 1, saying, “The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand” — making clear that the long wait for the Messiah was over. Consider his works, his authority, his power over the demonic, over nature, even over death, calling Lazarus from the tomb. Consider his wisdom, unparalleled — the world has built its laws and judgments on it for millennia. Consider his words in the Sermon on the Mount; six times he says, “You have heard it said…” referring to God's law given to Moses and the Ten Commandments, then adding “…But I say to you.” How outstanding — This is no mere prophet, no mere man, He is not correcting the law but correctly interpreting it and bringing it to bear on human hearts. This is not a human authority.

Consider the verse that caught my attention today, Hebrews 1:1–3: “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…”  WOW!

Consider his life, his perfect life; consider his death, his obedient, sacrificial death; consider his resurrection, his power and complete resurrection… And then see if there can be any doubt? — this Jesus is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, the Great I AM, God incarnate in human flesh — that those who have eyes to see, those who would humble themselves and seek him would find him and have life everlasting. Praise him!

This Sunday we again come to sit at his feet and hear the words he is saying to our hearts that bring his freedom and the advance of his kingdom in the earth.

 Love to all, 

Andrew

(pastor/team leader at Kootenay Christian Fellowship)

 Communion Sunday

This Sunday, we will have communion, so if you are joining us online, be prepared at home with some grape juice and bread as we share in this special time together.

 Into the Harvest – With Jesus and Sent Out!

Landon Zabolotniuk and Robin Konjur will be here with a group of young people (ages 16-25 apx. Landon will preach on Sunday, Nov 15. Details for the weekend to be determined soon – watch for more on this weekend!

 Open Mic

KCF will host another Open Mic Night on Friday, Nov 20. All are welcome!

 Baptisms

We will be having baptisms on Sunday, January 24^th. If you are interested in baptism or have questions, just reply to this email or inquire directly with Andrew Freeman.

 Celebrate Recovery – New time

For anyone with Hurts, Hang ups or Habits.

A Christ-centered 12 Step Recovery Program

Are you ready to embark on a journey of real and lasting change?

Tuesdays, 6pm at the Lookout, 520 Falls Street.

Inquiries to Calvin – spring.10@hotmail.com

 Tithes and Offerings for Cheerful Givers!

May God richly bless you, as 2 Corinthians 9:6-9 is a part of your life.

For those who are wanting to support our Church with offerings, it can be done by etransfer to office@kcfoffice.com, through our website via PayPal, or by calling in to the office with a credit card or mailing in your cheque. Thank you for your continued giving to the church with your tithes and generous offerings.

 The Lookout

The Lookout space for our vibrant children’s ministry is now being used! A big thank you to all who have contributed time and resources to make this happen.

There is still a need for financial support. You can help and leave a legacy for generations to come. Please consider financial donations of any amount. Please etransfer to office@kcfoffice.com or provide a cheque or cash at the office marked children. Thank you.

 Our Daily Bread

If God is leading you to help someone not be hungry, to have a safe place to go for community, and to experience the love of God, please consider Volunteering or sending Our Daily Bread a financial gift today.

Etransfer: odb@odboffice.com

Here is a video link that captures the heart of ODB. We hope you can take a moment to click on the link and watch it. We also invite you to share this link everywhere. https://youtu.be/BNJbNrIdQkY?si=I5Yip9tu08MoYKvf

 Anne-Marie Rasmussen – Administrator